Information about the Isle of Arran Home | The Island | Landscape | Geology | Wildlife | History The island of Arran is nearly 20 miles long and 10 miles wide. It has a circumference of 55 miles and rises to a height of 2,866 feet (874m) at the summit of Goatfell. Arran is sheltered from the Atlantic by the Kintyre Peninsula and separated from mainland Scotland by the Firth of Clyde to the east and the Sound of Bute to the north. The physical characteristics of Arran are defined by the Highland Boundary Fault, which runs across the centre of the island. This geological fault line separates the rugged, mountainous landscape of the north from the more gentle, lower lying, hills of the south. In turn, the landscape influences the local climate and the relatively lush southern half of the island feels the warming effect of the Gulf Stream to a greater extent than does the more barren north. The island's principal settlements include Brodick, Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Blackwaterfoot, Pirnmill and Lochranza.

Most of Arran's 5,000 inhabitants, live in the southern half of the island - and over 1000 live in the main town and port of Brodick. Many tourists tend to stick to the south-eastern part of the island, leaving the west and the north relatively undisturbed. Tourism, farming, and forestry are the primary economic activities on Arran, although the manufacture and sale of dairy products, cosmetics and whisky are also important industries here. A road, approximately 56 miles in length, encircles the island. In addition, Arran is traversed from east to west by the String Road, which runs through mountain glens, and to the south over more gentle terrain, by the Ross Road. Public transport facilities on Arran are good. A bus service circles the island and connects with the main ferry services at Brodick and Lochranza. Travel information Telephone enquiries for public transport timetable information can be directed to Traveline Scotland on 0870 608 2 608, 7.00am to 10.00pm, seven days a week. The buses on Arran are run by Stagecoach.

Enquiries about the bus services on Arran can be made to them at: Tel - 0141 3326811, Fax - 0141 3323076. Timetables for all bus services on Arran are can be seen here - look for services 321, 322, 323 and 324: Scottish Islands - List of islands of Scotland Scotland Travel Guide Islands in Scotland The Scottish islands tend to be classified into four main categories: the Orkneys and Shetlands, and the Outer and Inner Hebrides The Outer Hebrides - or Long Island as they are also known - consist of a narrow 130-mile long chain of islands, lying 40 miles off the northwest coast of the Scottish mainland. Relentlessly battered by fierce Atlantic winds, the islands can seem a hostile environment and an unappealing proposition, particularly if you happen to be stuck there on a wet Sunday without your own means of transport. Much of the interior is bleak peat bog, rocks and endless tiny lochs, and the long, straggling crofting communities only add to the feeling of desolation.

But there are also miles of superb beaches, wild mountain scenery, numerous archaeological treasures and long hours of summer daylight in which to appreciate it all. Despite the frequency of transport connections with the mainland, the Outer Hebrides remain remote in every sense. Unlike Skye and the Inner Hebrides, tourism is of far less importance to the local economy. In many ways, the islands are the last bastion of the old Highland life. Though newer industries such as fish farming have been introduced, the traditional occupations of crofting, fishing and weaving still dominate, and outside Stornoway on Lewis (the only decent-sized town in the islands) life is very much a traditional one, revolving around the seasons and the tides. Almost every islander has more than one occupation, so don't be surprised if the landlady of your guesthouse also weaves Harris Tweed, or if her husband drives the Postbus as well as doing a bit of fishing on the side. This creates a network of relationships where everyone knows everyone else. The Inner Hebrides comprise the great swathe of islands lying off the western coast of Scotland - east of the Outer Hebrides, south of Skye and west of the Kintyre peninsula.

Each is very different in appearance and atmosphere and each has its own distinct appeal. The most accessible of the islands is Mull, a short ferry ride from Oban. It's also the most popular by far, and with some justification. The variety of scenery on offer is astounding and its capital, Tobermory, is the most attractive port in western Scotland. A stone's throw from Mull is tiny Iona, one of the most important religious sites in Europe, with some divine beaches. Boat trips can be made from Mull or Iona to the dramatic island of Staffa, looming out of the sea like a great cathedral and the inspiration for Mendelssohn's 'Hebrides Overture'. Further west, windswept Coll and Tiree offer miles of unspoilt beaches and some great windsurfing and, to the south, Colonsay is a stress-free zone that makes Mull seem hectic. Those who enjoy a good malt whisky should head for Islay, famed for its distilleries, while neighbouring Jura is a wild and beautiful place, perfect for some off-the-beaten-track hiking.

If you're after some peace and quiet on Jura then you're in good company, for this is where George Orwell came to write '1984'. Furthest north are the "small islands" of Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna, reached from Mallaig, but ignored by most tourists. People come here for the fine bird watching and superb walking. Car space on ferries is limited during the summer months, so it's advisable to book ahead. There are flights from Glasgow to Port Ellen Islay: 2 daily Mon-Fri and 1 on Sat (40 mins), all year round. From Glasgow to Tiree: 1 flight daily Mon-Sat (45 mins), all year round. For flight times, call British Airways Express, Tel. 08457-733377, the local Tourist Information Centres, or Port Ellen airport, Tel. 01496-302022, and Tiree airport, Tel. 01879-220309.

CalMac car and passenger ferries sail to and from Mull, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Gigha, and passenger-only ferries sail to Iona and the Small Isles (Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna). The departure point for ferries to Mull, Coll, Tiree and Colonsay is Oban. Ferry times change according to the day of the week and time of the year, so they aren't listed in full below. Services listed below under each separate island are for the summer period (2 Apr-16 Oct). For full details see the CalMac Ferry Guide or call CalMac, Tel. 08705-650000, reservations@calmac.co.uk (reservations); Tel. 01475-650100, Calmac Ferry Services (general enquiries). For details of bus connections from Oban to Glasgow, contact Scottish Citylink, Tel. 08705-505050. For train services from Mallaig to Fort William and Glasgow, contact Scotrail, Tel. 08457-484950.

There are regular daily train and bus services from Glasgow. For full details contact the TIC in Oban, Tel. 01631-563122. The departure point for ferries to Islay (and on to Jura), and some ferries to Colonsay, is Kennacraig. There are daily bus services from Glasgow, via Tarbert . Mallaig is the ferry port for the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna. There are regular bus and train services from Glasgow, via Fort William. For bus, train and ferry times, pick up Argyll & Bute Council's free Area Transport Guides to Lorn, Mull and Islay & Jura, available at most tourist offices. For times of buses and trains to Mallaig, for the Small Isles, see the South Highland Public Transport Travel Guide (£1), available at main tourist offices. For details on how to get around the Inner Hebrides by public transport, see under the relevant island destination.

SHETLAND ISLANDS Puffins, Crofts And Vikings There's a sense of excitement during breakfast as our ship arrives in the town of Lerwick, the main community in the Shetland Island. After we leave the St. Clair there is the first visit of the day to Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement where three acres of remains span some 3.000 years of history, and you'll get a real sense of how these ancient peoples survived in an environment that we would find extremely hostile. A scenic coastal drive brings us to the Shetland Croft House Museum, located within a 19th Century thatched building, and this time we discover a wonderful perspective on rural Shetland life in more recent times. This afternoon there is a drive to Sullom Voe, home to the mainstay of the islands' economy today-oil-and to remote Brae, overlooking Muckle Roe. ORKNEYS An Orkney Voyage C catch the mind-day sailing to the Orkney Island. The journey lasts for around 8 hours and on board our ship, we'll enjoy dinner en-route. On arrival in Stromness, it's only a short drive to our comfortable hotel in Kirkwall.

The administrative capital, Kirkwall, is on a relatively narrow strip of land joining West Mainland and East Mainland. Home to the St Magnus' Cathedral, it has about 8,500 inhabitants and a large port. The only other burgh is Stromness in West Mainland, with a population of about 2,000.The charm of Orkney does not lie in their ordinary physical features, so much as in beautiful atmospheric effects, extraordinary examples of light and shade, and rich coloration of cliff and sea. The islands are notable for the absence of trees, which is partly accounted for by the amount of wind (although the climate in general is temperate). The formation of peat is evidence that this was not always the case, and deliberate deforestation is believed to have taken place at some stage prior to the Neolithic, the use of stone in settlements such as Skara Brae being evidence of the lack of availability of timber for building. ORKNEY ISLANDS Stone Age Discoveries Orkney is home to many outstanding historic treasures and today will be a unique day of discovery as we begin with St Magnus Cathedral, one of Europe's great architectural achievements and over 860 years old.

Our next stop is the extraordinary Italian Chapel, where few will fail to the moved by the dedicated workmanship of the Italian prisoner of war who constructed this place of worship in a humble Nissan hut. Their story and many others will be told as we view Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous event in both World Wars. Located in West Mainland is the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney', a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This comprises a group of Neolithic monuments which consist of a large chambered tomb (Maes Howe), two ceremonial stone circles (the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar) and a settlement (Skara Brae), together with a number of unexcavated burial, ceremonial and settlement sites. The group constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape which gives a graphic depiction of life in this remote archipelago in the far north of Scotland some 5,000 years ago. Skara Brae When a wild storm on Orkney in 1850 exposed the ruins of ancient dwellings, Skara Brae, the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, was discovered. The excavated farming settlement dates back 5000 years.

Within the stone walls of the dwellings - separated by passages - are stone beds, dressers, seats and boxes for provisions, recesses for personal possessions, and a hearth where dried heather, bracken or seaweed was burned. A replica house has been created next to the site and many original artefacts found at Skara Brae (part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site) are displayed in the visitor centre, which has a café. The Ring of Brogar is a stone circle superbly located on land rising above the saltwater Loch of Stenness and the freshwater Loch of Harray. When first erected there were 60 stones here, in a perfect circle 104m in diameter. Today just 36 of the original stones are still standing, and one of those only just, having been split vertically by a bolt of lightning on 5 June 1980. Tomb of the Eagles Pre-dating the pyramids, 'Tomb of the Eagles' is estimated to be around 5000 years old. Farmer, Ronald Simison (Ronnie) discovered the Tomb in 1958 while looking for rock suitable to craft fencing corner posts.

Intrigued by an unusual rock formation, he scratched away some earth revealing a set of nicely finished stone tools, now believed to be ceremonial. Further digging revealed an outside wall encapsulating a black hole. It was at this point, he lit a cigarette lighter, and had his first encounter with our 5000 year old ancestors! Artifacts found in and around the tomb included bones of some 340 people, white-tailed sea eagle remains and a number of other animal bones, ceremonial and working tools, pottery and beads. From all this, it has been possible to determine not only the age of the tomb but also the heights, diets and lifestyle of our ancestors. The number of white-tailed sea eagle talons and bones suggest that this bird may have been the totem of our neolithic ancestors and gives rise to the familiar name 'Tomb of the Eagles'. Uncovered by a storm in 1850 Skara Brae is one of the best preserved groups of Stone Age houses in Western Europe and our visit will reveal the stone furniture, hearths and drains that present a such remarkable picture of Neolithic life.

CRAFTS OF ORKNEY ORKNEY JEWELRY With a passion for her island environment Sheila creates her original designs reflecting nature's wonderful sea, sky and landscape colours. Orkney's history and folklore are also a rich medium for her inspiration. ITALIAN CHAEPL ORKNEY In early 1942 some 550 Italian prisoners of war, captured in North Africa, were brought to Orkney. They were needed to overcome the shortage of labour working on the continuing construction of the Churchill Barriers. These were the four causeways designed to block eastern access to Scapa Flow following the sinking of HMS Royal Oak by a German U-Boat in 1939.Camp 60 was home to the Italian prisoners from 1942 until early 1945. The camp comprised 13 huts, which the Italians improved with concrete paths (concrete was never in short supply during the construction of the Churchill Barriers) and gardens, complete with flower beds and vegetable plots.

Front View of the Chapel Head of Christ Entrance Mosaic Statue of St George Rear View of the Chapel Barrier No 1 from the Chapel In the centre of the camp, one of the prisoners, Domenico Chiocchetti, produced the statue of St George you can still see today, fashioned from barbed wire covered with concrete. The prisoners also worked to produce a theatre and a recreation hut, complete with a billiard table made, perhaps inevitably, from concrete. One thing Camp 60 did lack was a chapel. In 1943 the camp acquired a new commandant, Major T.P. Buckland. He favoured the idea, as did Father Giacombazzi the Camp Padre. Late in 1943 two Nissen huts were provided. They were joined together end to end, with the intention of providing a chapel in one end and a school in the other. The work of turning the Nissen huts into a chapel fell to the prisoners themselves, led once more by Domenico Chiocchetti. The interior of the east end was lined with plasterboard and Chiocchetti started work on what is now the sanctuary.

The altar and its fittings were made from concrete and were flanked by two windows made from painted glass. The gold curtains either side of the altar were purchased from a company in Exeter using the prisoners' own funds. ORKNEYS/MAINLAND We make an early start this morning as we drive to Stromness for the sailing to the mainland. The voyage will take 1 hour & 45 minutes and on the way there are stunning views of the Old Man of Hoy', a spectacular sandstone sea stack. On arrival at the port of Scrabster, drive to visit Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes and Earls of Sutherland. This fairytale 13th Century castle has a commanding position overlooking the Dornoch Firth and the story goes that its attractive gardens were inspired by those at Versailles. More info FAIR ISLE Fair Isle, locate halfway between Orkney and Shetland is a bird sanctuary and home to knitwear. The traditional woolen designs made with home spun and home dyed wool, are said to have originated with the Spanish sailors.

ISLE OF HARRIS When the Earl of Dunmore bought the island in 1834, his wife promoted the sale of the first Harris Tweeds in London. The crofters' skill had long been famous, but they wove cloth only for themselves or local markets. Annual production now is 6,000,000 yards. ISLE OF MULL & IONA The Sacred Isle Join the modern car ferry for the 40 minute crossing to the Island of Mull As we sail into the sound of Mull look out for wonderful view of Duart Castle, stronghold of the Maclean clan. On arrival at Craignure, drive through Glen More en-route to Fionnphort where another ferry awaits us for the short crossing to the Island of Iona. It was here in 563 AD that St Columba landed to found a monastery and bring Christianity to Scotland, and many early Scottish Kings and chiefs were buried here including Macbeth. The sense of peace and history that pervades the island will remain. ISLES OF MULL AND IONA The third largest of the Hebredian islands.

In 1588 a remnant of the Spanish Armada sank in Tobermory Bay with 3,000,000 gold doubloons aboard. Only a few trinkets have been found. The Isle of Iona, off the southwest tip of Mull is where St. Columba began the effective Christianization of Scotland in 563. Columba's followers preached worldwide. The monastery was attacked by Norse raiders. The oldest Christian burial place is here, popular with Royalty. Macbeth lies here. Travel by ferry to Mull, and travel by scenic landscapes to the ferry for Iona, burial place of many of the Scottish kings and chiefs, including Macbeth. It was here in 563AD that St. Columba established the first Christian monastery in the British Isles. ISLE OF SKYE Get your cameras ready for romantic Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed spot in Scotland Travel to Kyleakin by bridge to the Inner Hebredian Isle of Skye. With nearly a thousand miles of dramatic coastline of coral beaches and sheer cliffs, and an interior of wild peat bogs, the Isle of Skye is a compelling destination.

It seems a world away in time. The pace of life is slow and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. The island is one of the last strongholds of Gaelic culture and this language is spoken by about half of the population. Much of Skye's appeal lies in its legendary association with Bonnie Prince Charlie. At Dunvegan Castle, the clan Macleod stronghold, begun in the 9th century, the "Fairy Flag" brought back from the Crusades is said to have magical powers. Visit the Clan Donald Centre, with its magnificent park and hear about the 13 centuries of clan history. The day ends with a scenic drive along the "Road to the Isles" back to Ft. William. You may also board your ferry for the short crossing to the Inner Hebredian Isle of Skye, with nearly a thousand miles of dramatic coastline of sheer cliffs sweeping down to coral beaches, and an interior of wild peat bogs. It has a legendary association with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Visit the Clan Donald Center, and hear about the 13 centuries of clan history. More Info Isle of Arran A ferry ride. A wild landscape. Golden eagles. Fun and laughter. Standing stones.

Bite-size mountains rising steeply from the sea. Sandy bays. Coastal walks. Quiet glens. This is a Highland experience in miniature, on one accessible island. \ How to get there: CALMAC Calmac sails to twenty-four destinations on Scotland's West Coast. From Arran in the south to Lewis in the north, they cover some of the most beautiful and dramatic places in Scotland. nDiscover a different world. According to Calmac: 10 Great Island Things to Do Looking for inspiration? We've listed a few of our favourite island adventures to help you decide which island to go to this autumn. 1. Have a dram or three on the Island Whisky Trail. Sample some of Scotland's most challenging malts in their own homes. Take a tour of one or more of Islay's seven distilleries. 2. Kit yourself out in trendy tweed. Harris tweed, which can only be made by the islanders of the Outer Hebrides, is the fashionista's favourite fabric of the moment. (Where to buy). 3. Go 'Doon the Watter'. The traditional seaside towns of Millport, Rothesay and Dunoon are just a short drive away from Glasgow.

Build sandcastles on the beach at Millport, enjoy ice-cream and a stroll along the prom or take afternoon tea in a seaside cafe. 4. Get a real taste of the islands on the Arran Taste Trail. Sample artisan cheeses, hand-made chocolates, fine ales and malt whiskies on a gourmet day out on Arran. 5. Take to Skye via the Road to the Isles. Drive the scenic Road to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig and then sail 'Over the Sea to Skye' on our Mallaig-Armadale service. 6. Hopscotch and Golf. Our Island Hopscotch connects some of Scotland's finest golf courses. Choose one or all of Arran's seven courses before using our Lochranza-Claonaig service to access Machrihanish on the Mull of Kintyre. Finish off by hopping over to Islay to tackle championship standard Machrie Golf Links. 7. Go wild in the islands. Scotland's beautiful and unspoilt west coast islands are are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife species.

The ferry trip itself is often a one of the best places to spot sealife - sit out on deck and scan the sea for whales, dolphins, seals, basking sharks and porpoises.Mull and the Outer Hebrides are our top tips; look out for golden & white-tailed eagles, otters, puffins and corncrake. (Find out more). 8. Have a real island adventure. Ever wanted to try surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking or paragliding? The island way of life may be relaxing but the activities they offer are anything but. Try Tiree for windsurfing, Arran for paragliding or Harris and Lewis for world class surfing and mountain biking. (Find out more). 9. Take a stroll along a perfect beach. The islands offer mile after mile of brilliant white shell beaches. Go in autumn when you'll have the place to yourself. Wrap up warm and go with someone you love. Our favourites are Luskentyre & Scarista (Harris), the Bay at the Back of the Ocean (Iona), and Kiloran (Colonsay). 10. Spend a day in the garden.

Some of Scotland's finest gardens can be found on the islands. Enjoy a day out to Achamore Gardens on Gigha, Benmore Botanic Gardens near Dunoon or Mount Stuart House, Bute. Island Hopscotch/Rover Take the grand tour of Scotland's islands with Calmac's Island Hopscotch® tickets. Valid for one month from the date of your first journey, Island Hopscotch® tickets let you create your own adventure and travel at your own pace. With 26 options to choose from, this really is the way to travel and save money too. Tickets are valid for one journey on each route and can be used in either direction. Lighthouses of Scotland: Orkney Lighthouses of Scotland: Orkney Orkney is a former county, now a council area, including some 70 islands lying north of the mainland of Scotland. The islands are separated from the mainland by the narrow waters of Pentland Firth. Twenty of them are inhabited, the largest being Orkney Mainland. The town of Kirkwall is the administrative center. The population is roughly 20,000.

The islands are accessible by air and by ferries from Aberdeen; they can also be reached by a shorter ferry ride from Scrabster on the mainland side of Pentland Firth. The Northern Lighthouse Board is responsible for building and maintaining the lighthouses in these northern islands. I've listed all the light stations mentioned on the NLB web site, although at several of these stations the historic lighthouse has been replaced by a modern tower. In Orkney place names, a ness is a cape or headland, and the ending -ay (from the Norse ey) means "island." A holm is a small rounded island, and a skerry is a small, rocky island. ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights . Admiralty numbers are from Volume A of the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals. U.S. NGA numbers are from Publication 114. General Sources Historic postcard images posted by Klaus Huelse.

Noup Head Light, Westray, September 2008 Geograph Creative Commons photo by Nicholas Mutton Pentland Firth and South Ronaldsay Lighthouses Note: Located in the southeastern quadrant of Orkney, South Ronaldsay is accessible from Orkney Mainland by a series of causeways built during World War II and known as the Churchill Barriers . The south end of the island faces Pentland Firth , the strait separating Orkney from the mainland of Scotland. The strait is dangerous to navigate because of very strong tidal currents. Pentland Skerries Low 1794 (rebuilt in 1820s) (T. Smith and Robert Stevenson). Inactive since 1895. 18 m (60 ft) round stone tower with gallery; lantern removed. Tower painted white. Percy Quick's photo is at right. No longer used as a lighthouse, the tower now houses the station's fog horn (one 4.5 s blast every 45 s). ARLHS SCO-340.

Pentland Skerries High (Muckle Skerry) 1794 (rebuilt in 1820s) (T. Smith and Robert Stevenson). Active; focal plane 52 m (171 ft); three white flashes, separated by 6 s, every 30 s. 36 m (118 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery. Tower painted white with buff trim; lantern painted black. 1-story keeper's houses and other light station buildings enclosed by a stone wall. Percy Quick's photo is at right, George Brown has a photo , a good aerial photo is available, Trabas has a photo , Marinas.com also has aerial photos , Cailean Macleod has a distant view taken from Duncansby Head on the Scottish mainland, and Google has a satellite view . The Pentland Skerries are small rocky islands obstructing the eastern entrance to Pentland Firth.

Located on Muckle Skerry , the largest of the group, about 8 km (5 mi) northeast of Duncansby Head on the mainland and 6 km (3.5 mi) south of Brough Ness, South Ronaldsay, in Orkney; the lighthouse is distantly visible from both locations. Accessible only by helicopter, as landing on the island is quite dangerous. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-169; Admiralty A3562; NGA 3020. Lother Rock 1910. Active; focal plane 13 m (42 ft); quick-flashing white light. 12 m (39 ft) square skeletal tower with an open lantern structure. Trabas has Ina Rendtel's closeup photo , Jenšíková has a photo , and Google has a distant street view , but the tower is difficult to distinguish in Google's satellite view . Located on a rock south of Brough Ness, the southernmost point of South Ronaldsay; should be visible from that headland. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board .

ARLHS SCO-132; Admiralty A3564; NGA 3024. Pentland Skerries Low (left) and High Lights, November 2008 Flickr photo copyright Percy Quick; used by permission * [Hoxa Head (2)] 1996 (station established 1901). Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); flash every 3 s, white or red depending on direction. 7 m (23 ft) square metal equipment shelter covered with white panels; the light is displayed from a short mast at the top. A concrete World War II lookout tower is near the lighthouse. Trabas has Ina Rendtel's closeup photo , Jon Page has a view taken from the lookout tower, Marinas.com has aerial photos , and Google has a satellite view . Huelse has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse. Located on the northwestern point of South Ronaldsay, marking the east side of the Hoxa Sound entrance to Scapa Flow. Accessible by road about 7 km (4 mi) west of St. Margaret's Hope. Site open, tower closed.

Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-103; Admiralty A3610; NGA 3100. [Swona (2)] Date unknown (station established 1906). Active; focal plane 17 m (56 ft); white flash every 8 s. Approx. 8 m (26 ft) concrete post light with a square gallery; the light is displayed from a short mast. Trabas has Ina Rendtel's photo , Ian Balcombe has a very distant view , and Google has a satellite view . Swona is an uninhabited island in Pentland Firth about 6 km (3.5 mi) west of Brough Ness and a similar distance northeast of Stroma. Located at the southwestern tip of the island, known as the Tarf. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-234; Admiralty A3607.5; NGA 3076. Hoy Lighthouses Note: Hoy , located at the southwestern end of Orkney, is the second largest island of the group.

It is accessible by ferries from Houton. Hoy Sound separates Hoy from Orkney mainland and provides a northwestern entrance to the natural harbor of Scapa Flow between Hoy, Orkney Mainland, and South Ronaldsay. ("Flow" is derived from the Norse word flói meaning a bay or gulf.) Tor Ness (2) 1937. Active; focal plane 21 m (69 ft); white flash every 3 s. 8 m (26 ft) round cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. A 2008 closeup photo is available, Trabas has Tom Champagne's photo , Marinas.com has aerial photos , and Google has a satellite view . Located at the southwestern corner of Hoy marking the northwestern entrance to Pentland Firth, 13 km (8 mi) north of Dunnet Head Light on the mainland. The site does not appear to be accessible by road. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-244; Admiralty A3600; NGA 3084.

Cantick Head Light, Hoy, October 2008 Geograph Creative Commons photo by Calum McRoberts Graemsay and Scapa Flow Lighthouses Note: Graemsay lies north of Hoy and south of Stromness in Hoy Sound, about 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Scapa Flow. Cava 1898. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); flash every 3 s, white or red depending on direction. 9.5 m (29 ft) round cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. A nice closeup photo is available, Trabas has Ina Rendtel's photo , Dmitry Rostopshin has a photo , Marinas.com has aerial photos , and Google has a distant satellite view . Located at the northern tip of Cava, an island in the northwestern corner of Scapa Flow and the eastern entrance to Hoy Sound. Accessible only by boat; visible from ferries between Houton and Flotta. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-044; Admiralty A3636; NGA 3176.

Copinsay Lighthouse Copinsay 1915 (David A. Stevenson). Active; focal plane 79 m (259 ft); five white flashes, separated by 2.5 s, every 30 s. 16 m (52 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with buff trim; lantern painted black. 1-story keeper's house and other buildings. Another photo is available, Peter Gordon has a closeup , Trabas has Ina Rendtel's photo , Marinas.com has aerial photos , and Google has a satellite view . Copinsay is a small island about 5 km (3 mi) southeast of Point of Ayre on the east side of Orkney Mainland. Formerly inhabited, the island is now a sanctuary owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Located on the highest point of the island. Accessible only by boat; should be visible from Point of Ayre. Site and tower closed (sensitive ecological preserve). Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . Site manager: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ( Copinsay Island Sanctuary ).

ARLHS SCO-049; Admiralty A3676; NGA 3228. Orkney Mainland Lighthouses Helliar Holm (Saeva Ness) 1893 (David A. Stevenson). Active; focal plane 18 m (59 ft); flash every 10 s, white, red, or green depending on direction. 13 m (42 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with buff trim; lantern painted black. The abandoned 2-story keeper's house and other buildings are in very poor condition. Des Colhoun's photo is at right , Trabas has an excellent photo by Helmut Seger, a fine 2007 photo is available, Derek Mayes has a 2011 closeup , Marinas.com has aerial photos , Huelse has a historic postcard view , and Google has a satellite view . Ownership of the light station was transferred to the Orkney Islands Council in October 2014. Helliar Holm is an island in Shapinsay Sound between Shapinsay and Orkney Mainland, on the north side of the Mainland.

Located on Saeva Ness on the south side of the island. Accessible only by boat, but there are good views from the ferry between Kirkwall on Orkney Mainland and Balfour on Shapinsay. Site open, tower closed. Owner: Orkney Islands Council . Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-094; Admiralty 3684; NGA 3236. Helliar Holm (Saeva Ness) Light, Shapinsay, August 2007 Geograph Creative Commons photo by Des Colhoun Westray Lighthouse * Noup Head 1898 (David A. and Charles Stevenson). Active; focal plane 70 m (259 ft); white flash every 30 s. 24 m (79 ft) round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to 1-story service building. Tower painted white, lantern black. Keeper's houses demolished.

Nicholas Mutton's 2008 photo is at the top of this page, Craig Taylor has a great photo , John Tustin also has a photo , Trabas has Ina Rendtel's photo , Marinas.com has aerial photos , and Google has a good satellite view . The lighthouse marks the northwestern corner of Orkney on the island of Westray . Located atop a spectacular vertical cliff at the western tip of the island about 7 k (4 mi) northwest of Pierowall. The island is accessible by ferries from Kirkwall; the lighthouse is accessible by road, but 4WD is recommended. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-158; Admiralty A3736; NGA 3292. North Ronaldsay Lighthouses Note: North Ronaldsay is the northernmost island of Orkney and marks the northeastern extremity of the islands. The island has a small permanent population and is accessible by ferries on Tuesdays and Fridays during the summer and weekly as weather permits during the rest of the year. ** North Ronaldsay (2) 1854 (Alan Stevenson).

Active; focal plane 43 m (141 ft); white flash every 10 s. 42 m (138 ft) round brick tower with lantern and gallery. The lighthouse is painted with two white horizontal bands that contrast with the dark red color of the bricks. The keeper's houses and other light station buildings were purchased from the lighthouse board by the North Ronaldsay Trust in 2003; they have been renovated and are available for overnight accommodation . A keeper hired by the Trust lives in one of the houses. John Tustin's photo is at right, Rob Burke has a photo , Lis Burke has a wider view , Trabas has Ina Rendtel's photo , Marinas.com has aerial photos , and Google has a satellite view . Located on the Point of Sinsoss near the northeastern tip of North Ronaldsay, about 1 km (0.6 mi) northwest of the 1789 lighthouse. The island is accessible by air; ferries from Kirkwall operate only once a week on Fridays, May through September. Site open; tower open to guided tours by arrangement with the keeper and on Sunday afternoons during the summer. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board .

Site owner/manager: North Ronaldsay Trust. ARLHS SCO-155; Admiralty A3722; NGA 3280. * North Ronaldsay (1) 1789 (Thomas Smith). Inactive since 1809. 21 m (70 ft) round stone tower, unpainted. No lantern. Foundations of the original keeper's house are located next to the tower. The third lighthouse built by the Northern Lighthouse Board, this tower was deactivated after the first Start Point Light was completed. The lantern was replaced by a masonry cap, and the tower was retained as a daybeacon. Jennifer Batten has a good photo , Alex Cameron has another photo , and Google has a satellite view . In 2008 the North Ronaldsay Trust received £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £45,000 from the Orkney Islands Council; these funds were used for an engineering study and emergency work to stabilize the building and remove two centuries' worth of bird droppings from the interior. Further restoration is planned. Located at the most easterly point of Dennis Head at the northeastern tip of North Ronaldsay.

The island is accessible by air; ferries from Kirkwall operate only once a week on Fridays, May through September. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: North Ronaldsay Trust. ARLHS SCO-154. 1854 North Ronaldsay Light, April 2004 Geograph Creative Commons photo by John Tustin Sanday and Eday Lighthouses * Kettletoft Pier Date unknown. Active; focal plane 7 m (23 ft); flash every 3 s, white, red or green depending on direction. 6 m (20 ft) rectangular white concrete tower attached to a 1-story pier building. Trabas has Ina Rendtel's closeup photo , and Google has a street view and a satellite view . Located at the end of the pier at Kettletoft, a small port on the south side of Sanday. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A3716; NGA 3272. Calf of Eday (Calf Sound) (2) 2002 (station established 1909).

Active; focal plane 9 m (30 ft); three flashes every 10 s, white, red, or green depending on direction. 9 m (30 ft) octagonal cylindrical aluminum tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse painted white. Eday is an island southwest of Sanday, and Calf of Eday is a smaller island to the northeast, separated from Eday by Calf Sound. There were protests when the Lighthouse Board announced plans for the replacement of the original lighthouse in 2000; as a result, the Board replaced the light with an aluminum replica of the original. Rob Burke has a 2003 photo , a 2007 photo is available, Trabas has Ina Rendtel's closeup photo , Marinas.com has aerial photos , and Google has an indistinct satellite view . Located on Eday (not on Calf of Eday) about 800 m (1/2 mi) north of Blett. There should be good view from a walking trail northward from Blett. Island accessible by ferries from Kirkwall. Site status unknown. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board .

ARLHS SCO-034; Admiralty A3728; NGA 3288. Start Point Light, Sanday, October 2006 Geograph Creative Commons photo by Beth Loft Stronsay Lighthouses [Papa Stronsay (2)] 2002 (?) (station established 1907). Active; focal plane 8 m (27 ft); white light, 2 s on, 2 s off. 5 m (17 ft) square skeletal tower covered with white aluminum panels. Jenšíková has a photo , a blogger reports on a June 2007 NLB maintenance visit to the light, and Google has a satellite view . Trabas has Kees Aalbersberg's view of the original lighthouse. Papa Stronsay is an island just off Whitehall at the northern tip of Stronsay . The island is privately owned as a cattle farm. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: Northern Lighthouse Board . ARLHS SCO-167; Admiralty A3706; NGA 3268.

BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Body of driver recovered on shore Body of driver recovered on shore Davaar has only a lighthouse and two holiday homes on it The body of a man who went missing while driving along a causeway between a tiny island and the Kintyre peninsula has been found, police confirmed. Len Bennett, 70, was recovered on the shoreline near Blackwaterfoot on Arran at about 1200 GMT on Saturday. Mr Bennett vanished on 4 January while driving a four-wheel vehicle from his home on Davaar Island to Campbeltown. His vehicle was found by rescue teams the following day but there had been no trace of Mr Bennett. A rescue helicopter, police, coastguard and lifeboat teams were involved in the search. Davaar Island, in the Kilbrannan Sound, is linked to the mainland by the short Dhorlin causeway. The island is deserted apart from two holiday cottages and a lighthouse. Scottish Island Crossings - Roader's Digest: The SABRE Wiki Scottish Island Crossings Jump to: navigation , search With so many inhabited islands around the Scottish Coast, there are necessarily many ferries and a few bridges connecting them to the mainland.

Contents 4 Western Isles Inner Hebrides The Inner Hebrides consist of the islands from Gigha and Islay in the south to Skye and its neighbours in the north. They lie within the Highway Authorities of Argyll & Bute and Highland Councils. While the Skye Bridge is famous as crossing from the mainland to an island, it was not the first Island to be connected to the mainland by a bridge. That honour falls to the Isle of Seil, connected by bridge in the 18th Century. The bridge is now used by the B844 . In addition, the Islands of the Firth of Clyde are connected to the mainland by a series of ferries. The Isle of Bute is part of Argyll & Bute , while Arran and Cumbrae fall within North Ayrshire Highway Authorities. The vast majority of crossings in both areas are operated by Caledonian Macbrayne - locally known as 'Calmac', with the remainder mostly operated or funded by the Highway Authroities concerned.

Crossings to and between the Inner Hebridean Islands Firth of Clyde Irish Sea • Inner Hebrides • Western Isles • Shetland • Orkney • North Sea • English Channel • Solent • Inland Crossings Western Isles The Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides lie to the west of Scotland and their main connections to the mainland are into Oban , Uig on Skye or Ullapool for the Stornoway service. All of these services, and the inter-island services are operated by Caledonian Macbrayne. However in recent years the number of inter-island ferries needed has been reduced by the policy of the local authority - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - to replace ferries with fixed link bridges wherever possible. This obviously benefits the island in travel being possible 24/7 rather than at the mercy of weather, tides and the regularity of the ferry service. Crossings to and within the Western Isles To the Isles

Question: Which Scottish island is separated from the mainland by Kilbrannan Sound?
Answer: Arran